Where to Renew Your License in Thornton
Thornton residents renew their driver's licenses through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a local Thornton office. Colorado has no city-level licensing branches. You have three paths: the DMV office in Westminster (the nearest full-service location to Thornton), an approved express renewal kiosk if you meet certain conditions, or mail renewal if your license qualifies.
The Westminster DMV office is located at 3415 West 72nd Avenue, Westminster, CO 80030, about 15 minutes from central Thornton. This office handles all transaction types: standard renewals, replacements, and corrections. Hours vary by day; the DMV website shows current hours before you visit.
If you cannot visit in person, Colorado's mail renewal option works for drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years. You submit your current license, a completed process for Renewal (Form DL 44), and the renewal fee by mail to the address provided by the DMV. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Thornton has no DMV office; the nearest full-service location is in Westminster, about 15 minutes away.
- Colorado allows mail renewal for most drivers, which takes 7 to 10 business days and requires your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee.
- Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years to use mail renewal.
- In-person renewal at Westminster takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires proof of identity, Colorado residency, and Social Security number verification.
- Renewal fees in Colorado are $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license; the DMV assigns the term length.
Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Colorado address. The DMV accepts a passport, military ID, or tribal ID as identity proof. For address proof, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your visit.
You must also provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status and a letter from your employer or a government agency confirming your work authorization. The DMV will verify your number electronically; you do not need to bring a card.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not acceptable; the document must be certified by the issuing authority.
Steps for Mail Renewal
Mail renewal is the fastest option if your license meets the criteria. First, confirm your license is not suspended or revoked by checking the Colorado DMV website or calling 303-205-5613. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
Complete the process for Renewal (Form DL 44), available on the Colorado DMV website. Print it, sign it, and include it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail the packet to the address listed on the DMV website for mail renewals.
Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your packet. If you need your license sooner, you must visit the Westminster office in person.
In-Person Renewal at Westminster DMV
Arrive at the Westminster office with your documents and be prepared to wait. The DMV does not take appointments for standard renewals, so wait times vary. On weekday mornings, the wait is typically 15 to 30 minutes; afternoons and Saturdays are busier. Check the DMV website before you go; some locations post real-time wait times.
At the counter, tell the clerk you are renewing. They will verify your identity, check your address, and take a new photograph. You will also read a vision test. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to bring a letter from an eye care professional stating you meet Colorado's vision standards before your license is issued.
Payment is cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Renewal Fees and License Term Length
Colorado charges $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. You do not choose the term; the DMV assigns it based on your age and driving record. Drivers under 21 receive four-year licenses. Drivers 21 and older typically receive eight-year licenses unless their record shows violations or suspensions, in which case they may receive a four-year license.
The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person. If you pay by check or money order in the mail, make it payable to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. If you pay in person, the Westminster office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
When Your License Expires and Grace Periods
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Colorado does not have a grace period for expired licenses. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. Renewing before the expiration date is important; if you wait until after it expires, you must renew in person—mail renewal is no longer an option.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. The DMV will tell you what tests are required when you arrive.
Special Situations and Restrictions
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Colorado DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation. Call 303-205-5613 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail. You must visit the Westminster office in person. Bring the same identity and address documents, plus your medical certificate if your CDL requires one. CDL renewals take longer than standard renewals because the clerk must verify your medical status and check your driving record for violations.
If you are renewing a license with a Real ID designation (marked with a star), you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two proofs of Colorado residency. Real ID renewal takes longer than standard renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Colorado does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at the Westminster DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I moved out of Colorado but still have a Colorado license?
You cannot renew a Colorado license if you no longer live in Colorado. You must get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to discuss your options.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Westminster office?
No. The Westminster DMV does not take appointments for standard renewals. Walk in during business hours and take a number. Wait times are shortest on weekday mornings.
What happens if I renew by mail but my license arrives damaged?
Contact the Colorado DMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (typically $20) and provide proof of the damaged license. You can request a replacement by mail or in person.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. Your renewed license is mailed to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the DMV office. If you need to change your mailing address before renewal, update it at the Westminster office or contact the DMV before you submit your mail renewal packet.